And while Willy was his usual, even-keel self, he did acknowledge this tradition-rich encounter with the Riders might be worth just a tad more than some of the two-pointers his team has played this season.

“It’s a Western opponent,” Willy said. “After Labour Day we play a ton of West teams, so it’s going to show exactly where we stand in the West. I’m not saying it’s bigger than any other Western opponent, but obviously the rivalry makes it that much more fun to play in.”